The largest number of Victoria Crosses in British history were awarded between 1857-1859, exceeding both the Crimean War and Boer War. Specifically, 16 VCs were awarded during the Second Afghan War while 23 were awarded alone in the Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War, demonstrating that these conflicts produced more individual acts of bravery recognized by the VC than other major wars until World War I.

2. Largest number of Victoria
Crosses were awarded in British
history in 1857-59 .
The number was crossed only by
WW 1 later.
These exceeded both Crimean
War and Boer War considered
bloodiest wars in British history
till WW 1 .
By comparison Second Afghan
War was a Mickey Mouse affair.

3. 16 VCs were awarded in second
afghan war while 23 were
awarded in ZULU LAND alone.
HM 2ND Dragoon Guards wins two Victoria Crosses at Jamau-8th October 1858
• July 2021
• DOI:
• 10.13140/RG.2.2.12176.12808
• Project:
• Military History
• Agha H Amin